Donald David Price

Donald David Price, age 86, of Morganton, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 6, 2016. Don was born the son of the late Roy Calvin Price and Dollie Esther Nesbitt Price on September 20, 1929 in McDowell County.

Don was a life-long resident of Burke County, leaving only for military service shortly after high school. Losing his mother Dollie in infancy, Don and his brother Ray were raised largely by their aunt Zeruiah Pearson. Don graduated from Glen Alpine High School in 1948 where he helped establish the football team. He joined the US Navy later in 1948 and served until 1952 as an aircraft electronics technician in San Diego and Los Angeles. After discharge he returned home and shortly after started work at Great Lakes Carbon Corporation where he was employed until retirement forty years later. He wed Janette in 1954 and they were married until her death in 2013. They raised their family in the Salem community before moving into Morganton in 1984 where they remained in the same home until Janette's passing. Don was an avid golfer, and for nearly four decades was also a member of the Catawba Valley Masonic Lodge where he was treasurer for many years. He spent his final months as a resident of the NC State Veterans Home in Black Mountain where he was well cared for and adored by staff.

Along with his parents, Don is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Martha Janette Clark Price; two brothers, Ray and Glenn Price; and a step-sister, Mildred Chakales.

Those left behind to cherish Don’s memory include a son Keith Price and his wife, Felecia Chavez of Culpeper, VA; a daughter, Kim Price Clark and her partner, Ellen Pfirrmann of Marion; a grandson, Aaron Price of Morganton; a great grandson, Aaron Price II of Morganton; and a brother, Max Price of Black Mountain. Also surviving are numerous other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 2:30 pm on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at Forest Hill Cemetery with Masonic Rites and full military honors. Chaplain Maj. David Cromeenes will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 pm prior to the service at Kirksey Funeral Home.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the family.